For Producers of Recyclable Packaging and Paper

Producers under EPR for PPP

Nova Scotia’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation places full responsibility on producers of single-use packaging, paper products and packaging-like products to collect and manage the materials they supply to Nova Scotia residents. 

Not every producer of packaging or paper products in Nova Scotia will meet the requirements of EPR for PPP. Information is provided below to help define an “obligated producer” and the exemption criteria. You can learn more about the EPR program and regulation on the EPR Oversight page. 

Click here for the EPR Compliance page.

Producer Definition

In broad terms, obligated producers under the EPR for PPP Regulations are those producers that supply materials that are typically collected through municipal and other residential blue bag programs in Nova Scotia. These designated materials include packaging, paper products or packaging-like products comprised of paper, glass, metal or plastic, or a combination of these materials. 

An obligated producer is one that distributes, sells or otherwise supplies designated materials in Nova Scotia. For example, an obligated producer can be the manufacturer of the material but can also be the importer. An obligated producer can be the provider of secondary packaging such as a box, plastic wrap or other recyclable material. 

Another way of determining if you are a producer under the EPR for PPP program is by the following roles: 

Brand Holder: If the brand holder of the designated material is resident in Canada, they are identified as the producer.

Importer: If there is no resident brand holder, the importer of the designated material, if resident in Nova Scotia, becomes the identified producer.

Retailer: If no brand holder or resident importer are identified, the retailer who supplied the designated material to the consumer becomes the producer.

Franchisor: If a producer designated materials is a business operated wholly or in part as a franchise, the producer is the franchisor if the franchisor has one or more franchises located in Nova Scotia.

Producer Exemptions

The Nova Scotia Regulation identifies exemptions for small producers. Businesses are considered a small producer if their gross annual revenue in Nova Scotia is under $1 million or if their supply is less than one (1) tonne per year of designated materials in the province. Businesses are required to maintain records to support your classification as a small producer. 

There is also an exemption for societies, such as charities and benevolent, educational, sporting or artistic organizations that are registered under the NS Societies Act. The basis year for determining exemptions is calendar year 2022. If a business has determined they are exempt they are not required to register. 

For questions or support, please email us at  EPRsupport@divertns.ca.